Toyota Avalon facelift spiffs up for Chicago 2015 debut

The current Toyota Avalon may still look fresh, but with the fourth generation nearing its third anniversary, the world’s largest carmaker has seen fit to give its full-size sedan a mild nip and tuck just in time for the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

Visually, the 2016 model year brings in a few tweaks, including some borrowed from the facelifted US-market Camry. There’s a downturned chrome-laden lower front grille, a narrower upper grille, slim front indicators that replace the previous fog lights, revised LED head- and tail lights, as well as a chrome accent on the rear bumper insert. New 17- and 18-inch wheel designs complete the exterior overhaul.

In contrast, very little has changed on the inside, just grey accent stitching in combination with a light grey interior. What has changed, however, are the streamlined trim levels – from now on, V6 models are available in XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring trims, while the Hybrid gets XLE Plus, XLE Premium and Limited variants.

The larger seven-inch Entune Audio Plus touchscreen, premium woodgrain trim and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are now standard across the range. XLE Premium adds Entune Premium Audio with Navigation as well as Qi wireless charging, while sportier Touring models get a more aggressive front fascia, LED headlights and dark grey 18-inch wheels.

The range-topping Limited is distinguished through new Super Chrome wheels (18-inch on the V6, 17’s on the Hybrid) and optional advanced safety systems such as automatic high beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert. With the rejigging of trim levels, the suspension has also been revised accordingly, with a softer setup from XLE to Limited, and a sportier tune on Touring models.

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

‘Got higher specs with Altis and Camry’,Poor Vios owners or potential buyers,he don’t consider the Vios to be safe (tahu pun!). How to get better safety when the specs are same across the range? Instead they put body kits,that’s damn funny,hahahhaha!

Corolla oso,why got ‘Optional Safety Package’? Wa,you think other players in this class (heck,the world) does that ah? well its so 90’s man. LOL

Also,we don’t compromise to buy hybrid or coupe just to get those safety specs,haiyo you ar..

Not everyone can or cannot buy,but your garbage specs is not worth our money. Ain’t nobody got time to give bonuses to Uncles like you LOL! How about you please work harder to tell your CEO to give safety to the people,don’t be lazy!

Yes,you are right,it does not rely on airbags alone…but VSC as well! Another thing your ppl at UMW failed to put across the model line up as standard. Along with that,you might as well take 7 airbags & VSC out of the Prius,Prius C & 86 you mentioned la kan? Who knows the drivers of these cars wear their seatbelts or not kan? It’ll give you the option to price it cheaper,or keep those extra profits to yourself & your friends to enjoy..and we’ll watch Toyota’s sales silently rot in hell with your greed.

Your Toyota crash tests also done in 60km/h,so according to your logic,ppl still die in your cars,and with higher chances due to lack of safety features.So how about You don’t be naive about how not wearing seatbelts and driving styles are the only causes of accidents. Proton is now aware for the safety of the people. You & your Toyota? It looks like You’re the one who is so ‘syok sendiri’ thinking your cars are perfect! LOL! You’ll only see your sales soar in your wet dreams if you continue being lazy!

Your blind dedication to Toyota is admirable though misplaced. Funny you should mention the CBU units as the standard bearer of safety. The most numerous Toyotas in Malaysia are the Vios/Altis/Camry which unfortunately are pathetic when it comes safety which really is a shame. The fact is this, the Prius/C/86 are niche and if consumers have to get a niche car for safety, then I stand by my statement. Why should I pay so much for a badge if I only need a Vios/Altis/Camry.

You can support Toyota all you want, fine. But UMW Toyota has got to go. And this year, I do hope Honda teaches you a lesson and wipe the floor with UMW’s Toyota.

Oh did I mention anywhere that Naza-Kia is Korean? Why, can’t stand that your beloved UMW has got a Boss which oversee Kimchi cars? Kimchi-salmon sushi, what a combination.

And yes, you’re right. I can’t afford a Toyota. I dream everyday of owning a car which is inherently lacking in power, safety and technology. I’m sorry to offend the mighty Toyota, the shittiest “Japanese” car you can buy today. Btw, I’m being sarcastic.

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